2021-03-31 Wed

Many kings of Thailand played important role in the development of the country that is why the Thai celebrate several memorial days, commemorating their birth dates. King Nangklao Memorial Day is annually observed on March 31 to honour the third monarch of Siam. Born on 31st March 1788, King Nangklao, or Rama III, ruled Thailand from 21st July 1824 to 2nd April 1851. During the reigning of the king, Nangklao reestablished contacts with Western countries. British were supported by the Thai fleet and elephants in the First Anglo-Burmese War. Rama III taught the Thai doctors Western practices. He is also known as a talented businessman and a supporter of Chinese culture. This able king of Thailand has been portrayed on several banknotes of the country. Issued in the year 2001, the 500 Baht banknote depicts King Bhumibol Adulyadej in the uniform of the supreme commander of the armed forces on the obverse. The reverse features the Monument of King Nangklao (Rama III) in sitting position, the Loha Prasat, at Ratchanaddaram Temple, Bangkok. Image Courtesy: colnect.com